Steve Mundinger/Special to The Aspen Times
More than 150 business and community leaders from the Aspen area gathered Aug. 1 for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces event in support of the Israel Defense Forces. FIDF national board Members Dana and Michael Werner, founders of the FIDF Las Vegas Chapter and FIDF Aspen Chapter, hosted the event at the Chabad Jewish Community Center.
The FIDF event featured Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, who visited Aspen for the first time, and a performance by mentalist Alan Chamo.
Also attending the event were IDF soldiers, including Sgt. Maya, an IDF lone soldier, one who joins the Israeli army with no immediate family in Israel and who is a member of the Sky Rider unit of the Artillery Corps; staff Sgt. Y., a search and rescue fighter; and Cpt. Barak of the Intelligence Corps.
“Our annual event provided the greater Aspen community a chance to recognize the bravery of the young men and women of the IDF,” Dana Werner said. “FIDF supporters cherished this amazing opportunity to meet and thank the soldiers who risk their lives for Israel and Jews around the world.”
Other guests included FIDF supporter Melinda Goldrich, FIDF National Chairman Rabbi Peter Weintraub and FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir.